gortex2

OK. I think we all agree you dont like GMRS, dont like the rules of GMRS and dont like the FCC. Simple solution go find another service to use.

Ive used them for buying radios in the past. When i was with a shop we also sent him a pallet to sell. Decent guy. The 221 is a rock solid radio. We use the VHF version in SAR as its reasonably priced on state contract and works well for most.

Just remember none of the radios mentioned other than the Midland is ready out of the box. Thats the biggest issue for some folks. Not everyone is able to program a unit or even understands why they need to. I had a guy show up on a saearch a few years back. He had a CCR handheld and mobile and neither was on our SAR channels. When i asked him how it was programmed the answer was "it came programmed".... after the incident i worked with him and it was all out of the box channels. Personally I prefer LMR radios and for myself have all APX in my primary vehicles as i use them for public safety also. But for folks like my parents the midland was the best option. Eventually I will upgrade them one vehicle at a time with something commercial. I just installed the ICOM F221 at my guest house (winter home for them) with a base antenna so he doesn't need to leave an HT on all the time this winter.

https://forums.mygmrs.com/topic/1402-you-just-got-your-gmrs-license-now-you-want-your-own-repeater/

OK all, Lets just all agree every one uses GMRS for a different purpose. People get into it for different reasons. Now back to the original post. Pretty much same thing. Some open it up others dont. Happy RF !

So guess im confused by your statement. If the kids are on the output what harm is it to change input output at the same time ? When i was in NY there were lots of places that used GMRS outputs. I had PL/DPL on my repeater and unless i was in CSQ mode it didn't bother me. A repeater on the mountain normally worked better than a bubble pack radio in a store on my mobile. We are stuck with few channels. Taking one pair and using them shouldn't make us need to split between pairs. I guess there could be a case for it but nothing you mentioned is. If your re tuning a duplexor due to users on that output why not just change the input at the same time.

I guess i have been in the LMR world way too long but i dont think i have ever seen a UHF repeater that did not use 5mhz. That is the standard in LMR and most licenses will show that. I agree its not spelled out in GMRS rules but I can't imagine anyone who would use different output and input frequencies as you described. Even in the Ham world most all UHF repeaters are 5mhz apart. I dont see a need for commercial providers to make a radio to be able to use anything other than 5mhz. JMHO

Correct. I know this and most true GMRS folks do. 99% of the time I use the Midland its on simplex to others on the same radio. I would much rather use my APX than a midland but as said before you need what others have.

You didn't mention your programming of the repeater or what it was in regards to bandwidth. Using a repeater with midland radios you will want to set the repeater for narrow band (12.5) for best performance. Its still not ideal but will work much better than wide band.

I think it is different depending on who owns the repeater. I have alot of funds into my systems. I did it so myself and others could use the service. I don't want unlicensed CCR junk on my repeaters for multiple reasons that I wont discuss here. I specifically have my repeaters programmed to help eliminate that. It still happens from time to time. I have never not given permission to a licensed GMRS user to use my gear. Have a valid license don't be an idiot and use it.

I bit the bullet and installed the MXT275 in both my JK and JT over the weekend. I still have my APX radios for public safety. I did this for the reason of more and more folks are throwing them in vehicles and it was getting to be a hassle to figure out which frequency/pl tone i needed in my commercial gear each time. Being a lot of folks are not on the this forum or any they still buy the radios from midland and use them out of the box. This has been beaten to death and Im sure will continue for years. But its the best option for my use. I think those that are truly into GMRS will still use commercial gear, however those that use the radio as a hobby for another use will just buy the midlands.

DB404 and 408 is a good one in the commercial world. They normally hold up very well. I run the 404 and 408 on my GMRS repeater sites. https://www.commscope.com/product-type/antennas/base-station-antennas-equipment/base-station-antennas/itemdb408-b/

Depends on your local coordination group.

The Puck antenna is ok for repeaters and LMR systems. It is about useless for any simplex operations. If you have and use a good repeater system they can e ok but thats about it. A good quality 1/4 wave will be fine in car washes and other places.

Nice clean install. Sure it will do fine.

You don't mention the antenna cable you use at home on your 40' antenna. If that isn't LMR400 or larger you probably don't have much power at the antenna. As others said the radio your using to test is also not the best option for your plans.

Id try to keep the antennas 16 inches apart. On my Motorhome I removed my AM/FM and installed a NMO mount there with a Larsen mutliband antenna. I then use a diplexer to pull UHF and VHF to each unit. For my scanner I just used a glass mount. 99% of the time i am listenign to the local P25 trunking system anyway. On my ladder is my Larsen fiberglass stick for my GMRS repeater. Its about a foot high so still lower than my SAT dish.

THis may help... https://www.slideshare.net/GustavoAdolfoTapasco/motorola-r56-2005manual

I use MURS alot. Both in NY and now in VA I rarely hear anyone on it. Granted I am in the country. Its an excellent option especially when FRS/GMRS may be active in a certain area.

Thanks for the reviews. I guess next week I need to order one for my Motor home. This will be an ideal setup vs the GR1225 for dry camping. I can see other uses as well. I already have a small fiberglass stick i use on the motor home.

We are getting off topic here. GMRS does not have to ID. Period. Per rules. None of mine ID. Commercial Part 90 Repeaters must ID per rules. Alot of Part 90 repeaters ID with no PL/DPL tone so if you have a scanner with PL/DPL enabled you will never hear the ID.

Correct. Unless your using pretty old programmable gear most stuff on the market supports both NM and WB. My radios are all programmed with both for this reason. Just know what is in your area and what you want to talk to. Knowing the gear you are buying is a plus. Most of the decent used gear that programs with windows does NB. There is still alot of old gear (GE MVS<MLS< Motorola GM/Maxtrac) stuff thats out there but normally a PITA to program so folks dont grab it like they used to.

Just order a UHF NMO 1/4 wave UHF on a magnetic mount. The ghost or phantom antennas only work well with repeaters and good repeaters. I use them on my county TLMR system but we have 15 sites in one county. For GMRS I run a 1/4 wave.

All in all this is a good idea. Could they save money by going used part 90 gear. Most likely, however this is exactly why Midland is selling like it is. Its easy and simple and you can go anyplace to get a radio ready to roll. When my father bought his first one i cringed. After learning the issues and how i could help fix it it does the intended purpose. If someone wants to add a second or third they jump online and order another. I have one repeater specifically in NB just for some friend that have the midland gear. I am actually in the process of switching my repeater in my motor home to NB as well being I take it on some Jeep rides and more folks are going to GMRS in the off road world. I still use my part 90 gear (APX and XTL) for most of my communications but having something that works for these folks and others is a good solution. JMHO JS

As stated here it can be what ever way you want it. It really boils down to what subscriber, radio you are going to use on it. If your plan is part 90 radios go wide. If they plan to by midland radios use NB. I have a mix of both due to the users on each.